An assessment of the management strategies to street vending : a case of Chipata city.

Background: street vending is a Globally practice differently in different countries. For example in china, it seems to be more structured because there are designated specific areas or markets for street vendors, providing them with permits and infrastructure stalls or kiosks, and such areas are often subject to regulations regarding hygiene, safety, and operating hours. In Zambia, it seems not have proper direction as weather it is allowed or not. Government is seldom being stiff by prohibit street vending yet at times compromised by political influence. This means even when formal places for street vending are pronounced, it remains on paper different from what is prevailing on the ground. The Study objectives were; 1) To ascertain the nature of players involved in street vending management. 2) To assess the management strategies that have been employed in street vending. 3) To recommend sustainable management approaches to street vending in Chipata CBD. Methodology: The study employed a qualitative case study A purposive sampling criterion was used in the selection of 267 participants, of whom 2 were key informants and 265 streets vendors. A semi-structured questionnaire guide, audiotaping, and note-taking were used to collect data and NVIVO 12 software was used for data analysis. Results: key major players in street vending management include vendors and city council.
factors for street vending included Employment opportunities, Business convenience, Social capital, Inadequate training skills. Institutional strategies for managing street vending include Vending spaces, the Use of force by law enforcers and the issues Licensing system. Conclusion: Addressing street vending issues in Chipata city and zambia as whole there is need of Mainstreaming of street vending support into national policy.